Pacific Association tabs two Sonoma Stompers for honors

Cox, Meimerstorf honored by Pacific Assn.|

Two more Sonoma Stompers have been honored by the Pacific Association.

Relief pitcher Jacob Cox was named “Reliever of the Year,” while Kenny Meimerstorf was named “Rookie of the Year.”

Cox set a Pacific Association record with 26 saves. A product of Cal State Monterey Bay, Cox went 4-0 with a 2.62 ERA. His league-high 26 saves broke the old mark of 18, set in 2017 by Sammy Gervacio.

“This award means a lot. It shows what a long season of consistent hard work can achieve,” said Cox. “However, I definitely couldn’t have gotten it without my team. They’re the ones who always gave me the opportunity to come in and do my job.”

Stompers’ manager Zack Pace said, “The bullpen was a strong point for our team and Cox was the backbone of the pen. He’s a great competitor with great tools and I look forward to seeing him continue this success throughout his career.”

At the conclusion of the 2018 season, Cox was promoted to the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League.

In three seasons (2016-18) with the Stompers, Cox has compiled a 2.70 ERA to go along with an 11-4 record and 31 saves in 68 appearances.

“The past three years, playing for Sonoma, have prepared me for the next level by showing me the difference between professional baseball and collegiate ball. The level of competition is much higher and the margin for error is almost non-existent,” said Cox.

Meimerstorf becomes the second Stomper to earn Rookie of The Year honors, joining Mark Hurley who won the award in 2015.

“This award is incredibly meaningful to me. Going into my first professional season I didn’t know what to expect,” said Meimerstorf.

The Nevada native finished second in the Pacific Association with 23 home runs, and 74 RBI. He batted .283 and appeared in 78 of 80 Stompers games, including both postseason games, and was integral to the team’s league-record 57-23 season.

Meimerstorf’s first highlight came on June 16, when he hit a go-ahead grand slam off of former MLB veteran J.P. Howell of the San Rafael Pacifics in a 5-3 victory.

“His outstanding work ethic on a daily basis showed with his results. Kenny is well deserving of this award and I look forward to watching him grow throughout his career,” Pace said.

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